First full-length from Lauren Denitzio's latest project drops October 29

Worriers began in 2008 as a side gig for all three players involved: Lauren Denitzio of Measure [sa], Mike Hunchback of the Weird Fantasy Band, and the Babies’ Justin Sullivan. In the years since, Denitzio has carried on with Worriers and made the project her primary focus, and on October 29, she’ll release the handle’s debut album, Cruel Optimist. Recorded with the help of guitarist Rachel Rubino, drummer Mikey Erg, and bassist Tim Burke, the upcoming full-length acts as a pop-punk manifesto, serving up eight thrilling tracks that blend ragged hooks with political lyrics.

“I’ve been asked how my other interests and politics are reflected in my music,” Denitzio says. “While I wasn’t incredibly intentional about merging those things before, this record is definitely an attempt to directly combine those other things I’m involved in — like visual art, feminist/queer activism and organizing — with music.”

Pulling from influences in literature (“Passion” is sung from the perspective of a character in a Jeanette Winterson novel whose gender is never revealed); fine art (“The Only Claude That Matters” is inspired by a selection of text by artist Claude Cahun that deals with androgyny); and power-pop (see the guitar heroics in “Best Case Scenario”), Cruel Optimist is a dynamic, focused statement that clocks in at just under a half-hour. Stream the entire effort below, pre-order the LP via Don Giovanni Records, and scroll down for Worriers’ tour dates.